IL-18 favors Th2 responses in sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix globosa, prolonging the course of the disease
This study unveils the dual role of IL-18 in human sporotrichosis caused by S. globosa-amplifying both Th1 and Th2 responses but ultimately driving pathogenic Th2 polarization through IL-2 crosstalk. Our work identifies IL-18/IL-2/NF-κB axis as a key Th2-polarizing mechanism driving chronicity in this disease. Targeting this axis could recalibrate anti-fungal immunity, offering translational strategies for this subcutaneous disease.
Authors
- Yan Cui (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4267-5036)
- Yu Zhen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1796-5015)
- Yang Song (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6464-4997)
- Henan Si (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3169-292X)
- Jianjiao Zu
- Shanshan Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6823-7774)
- Ying Shi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1764-7658)
Institutions
- Jilin University (CN)
- First Hospital of Jilin University (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- PLoS neglected tropical diseases
- Published
- 2025-06-09
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013170
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Fungal Infections and Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.35
Funders
- Natural Science Foundation of Jilin Province
- National Natural Science Foundation of China